Derek Brandenburg

• Starting this business as an outlet for unique design, and one-of-a-kind projects, I’ve grown to my fulltime occupation • Clients include: JCPenny, Oakley, The Learning Annex, Terras Landscape, LUV Footwear, The Davinci Institute • Projects have included things such as: Annual Reports • Branding & Logo Design • Corporate ID Packages • Invitations & Cards • Flyers & Posters • B2B Direct Mailings • Catalogs/Page Layout • PowerPoint Design • Website Design • Trend Development • Concept Design • Screenprint Designs • Embroidery/Appliques • Fabric prints (in repeat) • Y/D Stripes & Woven Plaids • Full Assortment Colorways

• Develop innovative artwork that strengthens kids brand position and supports seasonal concepts • Estimate art needs based on planned sales projection • Create & manage artwork calendar to successfully meet corporate deadlines • Manage art departments travel, sample/art purchases, and freelance budget

• Design exciting, fresh looking fabric prints, yarn dyes, and placement graphics that fulfills merchant’s assortment strategies, and can be mass produced within tightly set IMU’s and retail price points • Elevate aesthetic taste of Inf/Tod Boy Circo and Cherokee apparel by taking calculated risks with art styles and techniques that reinforces the unique attributes of each brand while not compromising their individuality • Negotiate compromise between design, technical, merchants, and sourcing cross-functional teams to force artwork newness and oversee it’s proper execution through production • Anticipate bottlenecks, and hire freelance per needed to meet all calendar deadlines • Active participant on several committees to brainstorm efficiencies and streamline graphics process

• Assessed art department workflow, and created position of Artwork Operations Manager to streamline and standardize artwork processes assuming responsibility for all artwork calendar deadlines • Domestic & International travel to assess contractor capabilities and ensure perfect sales samples • Collaborate on-press with screenprint machine operators to problem solve and create new techniques • Manage and Inspire artist teams of: 3 Infant/Toddler designers, and the operations of the full team of 10 • Hire and direct freelance per needed to guarantee success for calendar due dates • Approve artwork strike-off’s for technique correctness, color and quality • Conduct creative research through travel, shop competitive markets, and explore cultural resources outside the normal apparel markets (i.e. Museums, architecture, social and misc. cultural events) • Create artwork for apparel; fabric prints, placement art and fashion trim

• Project work from concept, design, photo direction, production, and pre-press • Practice strategies in brand identity development • Office administrator; project management techniques